Writing on Twitter, author JK Rowling said: "There are no words to express how shocked and devastated I am to hear of Alan Rickman's death.

Alan Rickman as Professor Snape in Harry Potter

"He was a magnificent actor & a wonderful man."

She added her condolences to his family and wife Rima, writing: "My thoughts are with Rima and the rest of Alan's family. We have all lost a great talent. They have lost part of their hearts."

The much-loved Brit star first shot to stardom in 1988 when he played Hans Gruber, Bruce Willis's adversary, in Die Hard.

But he gained legions of fans for his role as Professor Severus Snape in the Harry Potter film franchise.

Alan Rickman pictured in December 2015 (Image: Rex)

Rickman won a Golden Globe and an Emmy for TV biopic Rasputin, and a BAFTA for Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves.

He was BAFTA nominated for Michael Collins, Sense and Sensibility and Truly Madly Deeply.

Harry Potter stars have been leading tributes with actor James Phelps, who played Fred Weasley, writing on Twitter: "One of the nicest actors I've ever met. Thoughts and prayers with his family at this time."

Oliver Phelps, his twin brother, added: "Terribly sad news about the passing of Alan Rickman. A funny and engaging person who put a shy young actor at ease when I was on HP."

A statement from Rickman's family said: "The actor and director Alan Rickman has died from cancer at the age of 69. He was surrounded by family and friends."

His death comes just months ahead of the release of a new film called Eye In The Sky in which he stars alongside Helen Mirren and Aaron Paul.

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The thriller is set to open in UK cinemas on April 8, according to IMDb.

He has also completed another film set for release later this year called Alice Through The Looking Glass.